Please visit our new online bookstore!
A new way to support your Fellowship! Anything you buy from our new online bookstore, or after clicking on the
Powered by Amazon.com
logo, will provide a percentage to help support our Fellowship.
UU Visalia
Quick Links
Home Page:
uuvisalia.org
|
|
Calendar
All regular services begin at 5 PM, followed by 6 PM potluck
July 2008
July 6, 2008 - "Unitarian Universalism in Times of Trouble", a sermon by Rev. Christine Robinson of Albuquerque, NM - presented by Harold Wood. This sermon explores how UUism can be a help-meet for us not only in the good times, but in the bad times too.
July 7, 200 - 5:45 PM - Board Meeting at Colima's Restaurant in Von's Shopping Center. All members welcome.
July 13, 2008 - "Being Peace - Chapter 1", from Thich Nhat Hanh - presented by David Hodges. Thich Nhat Hanh is a leading Buddhist teacher; turns out he is also gifted in calligraphy - see his "this is it" calligraphy in the upper left of this newsletter! Social Justice Team meets after the potluck at 6:45 PM.
July 20, 2008 -"Saving Souls" a sermon by Joanne Giannino - winner of the 2006 Skinner Sermon Award - presented by David Newman. Quote from the sermon: "The 'social' location of the affluent Unitarian Universalists has changed, we are no longer 'with' the poor, and they are no longer with us. The middle-class church doesn't know the poor and they don't know us." Worship Team meets after the potluck at 6:45 PM.
July 27, 2008 - "What We Can Do for Religion Today", a sermon by Holly Ann Lyx-Sullivan, of the Meadville Lombard Theological School - presented by Debbie Wing.
August 3, 2008 - We begin our special month-long August Adult Education series on "Articulating Your UU Faith." This series is conducted on Sundays at 4:30 PM - 30 minutes earlier than our regular worship service time. Pick up reading materials from Anna Garcia.
Please Note: (Service topics are subject to change) Sunday Services from July through August are more casual. The basic format will be continued, with songs and written word, but formal children's Sunday School will not be offered, so that our teachers can enjoy the time off.
The 5PM Worship Service is followed by a light potluck supper at 6 PM to which all are welcome! Please do not hesitate to come to church and join us for dinner potluck. Even if you forget to bring a dish, we always have plenty and your company is most welcome. HINT: Beverages and desserts are always appreciated! |
|
 UU Visalia Fellowship News
First Low Carbon Ring Begins in July
We're setting up a series of "Low Carbon Rings" to fight global climate change and save energy! Each Ring is limited to 5 to 8 households. The fist sessions begin on Sundays in July, led by Tyler Conrad. A Thursday night group will begin in September , led by Harold Wood, and a another week-night group will begin later, led by April Hill.
Contact your group leader to order the two workbooks we'll be using. You will also want to download the
free materials posted on the UULM website: http://uulmca.org/programs/climate_water/low_carbon_challenge.html. This special "low carbon challenge" program will save you money, save energy, and save the planet, while working with the other members of your Carbon Ring.
Articulating Your UU Faith in August
Due to popular demand, in August 2008 our worship services will consist of a discussion workshop on Articulating Your UU Faith. This workshop, beginning at 4:30 PM - 6 PM each Sunday in August, guides participants through a series of easy and engaging exercises - personal reflection, role-play, discussion and even the creation of a worship event -- that equip us to communicate our liberal religious ideals. Some light home-work is required - please contact Anna Garcia for the reading materials.
We Need More Chalice Lighters!
Because our Fellowship plans to apply for another grant from the Pacific Central District (PCD) of the Unitarian Universalist Association, it will help if more of our friends and members would become Chalice Lighters. One of the requirements for receiving a Chalice Lighter grant is to have members actively participating. The goal is a participation rate up to one out of two members from each congregation, each pledging at least $10 three times a year in response to a Chalice Lighter call. It's easy to sign up on the PCD web site, and doing so is a powerful act on behalf of growing Unitarian Universalism throughout our region. The Visalia UU Fellowship has already benefited from a Chalice Lighter Growth grant of $500 to pay for advertisements in the Valley Voice in 2006-07 and we plan to apply for a considerably larger grant later this year to seek a Weekend Minister. Please consider joining as a chalice lighter
MEETINGS
July 7, 2008 - 5:45 PM - Board Meeting at Colima's Restaurant on Noble Ave. (Von's shopping Center, near Roller Towne). All members welcome.
July 13, 2008 - 6:45 PM - Social Justice & Green Sanctuary Team meeting. After potluck in the solarium at the Meeting House.
July 20, 2008 - 6:45 PM Worship Team Meeting. After potluck in the solarium.
August 16, 2008 - 9 AM - Board Retreat & Potluck at Harold & Janet's house. Focus will be on preparing our Chalice Lighter Grant application. All members welcome.
Children's Education Opportunities
Our Fellowship will not be offering Children's Religious Education during the summer months. But never fear - we have resources from the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship that you can use at home with your family.
Ongoing Meditation Sessions Each Wednesday, 6:30-8PM at Friends Meeting House. An opportunity to practice this universal spiritual discipline and discuss mindfulness.
Friday UU Visalia Social Lunch Group
Join us every Friday for the lunch buffet at the Taj Palace Indian Restaurant, at the Marco Polo Motel, corner of Noble and Linwood, every Friday at 12:15 p.m. Address: 4545-B W. Noble Ave., Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 625-2500. For more info, call Harold at 739-8527 or email harold@uuvisalia.org. (We do miss an occasional Friday - so call or e-mail ahead to R.S.V.P. if you can!)
Our Vegetarian Cookbook Project
Please contribute your recipes for vegan / vegetarian / dishes for our planned Vegan / Vegetarian UU Visalia Cookbook. Please submit your items to Lesley or email them to: info@uuvisalia.org.
Caring as a Fellowship
If you know of any Fellowship member or friend experiencing a life challenge (including yourself!), please tell a board member so we can offer support. E-mail your request to: info@uuvisalia.org or mention during "Joys and Concerns."
 UU Visalia Online Bookstore Expands
Our online bookstore allows you to purchase anything available from Amazon.com at www.uuvisalia.org/bookstore/ (even cameras, ipods, and auto parts, etc.) We have a number of new books featured this month in our Featured This Month section, and have created an entirely new category for "Famous UUs." We also have a large number of CDs available in our new Music section.
Our bookstore is a valuable resource for spiritual growth, learning and just plain fun. Please support our Fellowship fund-raising when buying online!
Reminder to GoodSearch!
Search the World Wide Web with www.goodsearch.com - powered by Yahoo!
Bring Your Used Printer Cartridges!
Recycle your cartridges and earn cash for the Visalia UU Fellowship. Please place in the Empties4Cash box on the shelf in the entry. Thanks!
Share Your UU Magazines
After you have read the UU World, Interconnections and/or CLF Quest publications, please contribute them to the library for visitors and potential new members. Just place in the basket at the far end of the shelves. Again thanks!
Visalia UU Fellowship Worship Meetings - 5PM, each Sunday - 4:30 PM in August, 2008. To find us, check out our new Directions and Map page on our website, including a printable map! Go to www.uuvisalia.org |
|
UUA General Assembly - June - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. June 25 - 29, 2008. Theme: "Common Threads" Most of us missed General Assembly this year, but many of the main programs are now offered online
via streaming video on the UUA.org website.
 UU LEGISLATIVE MINISTRY - "Deepening Faith, Growing Leadership, Building Justice"
Water Justice Tour for Young Adults
UULM and the UUA Pacific Southwest District are sponsoring a road trip for young adults ages 18-25 to learn about water justice and climate change in California. The weeklong tour will start on Saturday, August 2 in Sacramento, and travel from Mt. Shasta through central California to Tulare County, learning about water and climate change. SAVE THE DATE! The group will stay overnight in Visalia Friends Meeting House on Friday 8/8 and Saturday 8/9. The UU Fellowship will host their overnight stays in Tulare County, where they will tour with the Community Water Center on Saturday. Members and friends are invited to bring potluck dinner dishes (and road snacks) for the @30 young adults and UULM staff and share our knowledge. The trip ends on Sunday after a worship service and closing at the UU Church of Fresno. P.S. We may be asked to loan foam sleeping mats to make their stay more comfortable. info to come.
Marriage Equality For the next few months, the primary focus for the UULM-CA will be partnering with the Equality for All campaign to defeat a November 2008 ballot measure (Proposition 8) amending the California constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman. This amendment hurts the fundamental rights of loving, committed couples. We believe the constitution should not be used to treat people differently and unfairly. Everyone should be equal in the eyes of the law! The Visalia UU Fellowship has taken several steps to support the issue in past years --
- We sent Valentines to Gov Schwarzenegger in 2005, asking him to "Stand on the Side of Love", as part of a UULM campaign sending 1,000 Valentines to encourage him to sign legislation (AB19) to allow same gender marriage in California.
In 2007 the Visalia UU Fellowship Board signed onto the Amicus Brief to the State Supreme Court in favor of Marriage Equality.
We were acknowledged by area press after the 5/2008 Supreme Court decision that allowed same gender marriages to commence on 6/17/08.
- We had letters to the editor published in the Visalia Times Delta praising the Supreme Court decision. We have gathered materials to become a Welcoming Congregation and hope to start the process.
NOW We have the opportunity to Volunteer through www.equalityforall.com to circulate at pride celebrations and sign up to phone bank after Labor Day, asking people to join the campaign to defeat the amendment:
- Endorse the campaign as individuals and as congregations
Educate and organize by writing letters to the editor, inviting speaker(s) to service or a community event (please e-mail info@uuvisalia.org if you know a prospective speaker)
- Donate to the UULM Action Network PAC at www.uulmca.org or to www.EqualityForAll.com
In the words of Rev. Lindi Ramsden, Executive Director of UULM, please help us to protect family, human dignity, the constitution and religious freedom!
Stebbins at Asilomar - August 10-15, 2008. Join UUs and friends at the
Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove on the beautiful Monterey coast.
Enjoy daily workshops, socializing and fun. Comfortable accommodations, dining
hall meals. For registration information visit www.serve.com/stebbins.
Unitarian Universalism: Nurture Your Spirit. Help Heal Our World
|
|
Community Events for Social Justice and/or Personal Spiritual Development
PFLAG-Tulare Kings County The newly formed Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) will meet on the third Sunday of each month at 2PM, College of Sequoias Administration Building, Room 1 (7/20, 8/17, 9/21/08, etc.) PFLAG is a national non-profit organization with over 250,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States. PFLAG affiliates work to provide opportunities for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and act to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Come to a meeting to learn more or check the website www.pflag-tulare-kings.org. The national PFLAG group has initiated a "Straight for Equality" campaign of straight allies - more information at www.straightforequality.org
Interfaith Alliance of Central Ca.
Fourth of July Celebration of Our Diversity, Honoring the racial and religious pluralism that makes America great! Friday, July 4, 2008, 9 am- 1 pm, O'Neill Park, CSUF Campus (Barstow between Maple and Chestnut -Non-smoking area)
South Valley Peace Center Monthly Peace Vigil Sunday, July 6, at the corner of CALDWELL and Mooney in Visalia at 8- 9 AM ( summer schedule) We will go to breakfast afterwards at Chapala's Mexican Restaurant 1 block East on Mooney.
Camp Badger at Seven Circles Retreat Center An overnight creativity camp for kids ages 8 to 12, Monday 7/21-Friday 7/25/08 Arts, crafts, sports, swimming, campfires and other fun activities presented by Dunlap School After School Program staff members and credentialed teachers. $85 for five day/four night camp. 559-337-0211 or email info@SevenCirclesRetreat.org.
Les Misérables at L.J. Williams Theater, Visalia
The Tulare County Office of Education Theatre Company will be performing the popular Broadway musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel about Jean Valjean's struggle against adversity in 19th century France. This is much more than a "high school musical" - the student actors-singers are the best of all of Tulare County. Five evening performances and two Saturday matinees will be held at the L.J. Williams Theater in downtown Visalia beginning July 18, continuing on July 19, 24, 25, & 26, 2008 For ticket information, call the Theatre Company at (559) 651-1482.
Sequoia Riverlands Trust - Summer Stargazing at Dry Creek Preserve - Sat, July 26, 8:30-10:30 p.m. Join local amateur astronomers for a fun and informative evening of stargazing. Spectacular deep sky objects are within reach of our telescopes, and participants will come away with a new understanding and appreciation for the night sky. Mark your calendars for the next stargazing night, August 23 from 7:30p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Dry Creek Preserve is near Lemon Cove. From Visalia , travel east on Highway 198 to Highway 216. Follow Highway 216 west toward Woodlake one-half mile and turn right (north) on Dry Creek Road . The preserve is located two miles down on your right. Donation: $5 Sequoia Riverlands Trust members; $10 non-members or join that day and attend the program for free.
Cancer as a Turning Point - From Surviving to Thriving - Sept 13-14, 2008 - Free conference in Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium, 1515 J Street.
The program's purpose is to educate, inspire, connect and celebrate all whose lives have been touched by cancer or any life-altering illness. No charge to attend, but donations are welcomed and pre-registration is suggested. More information at www.healingjourneys.org or ask April about her experience there.
Sierra Nevada Alliance
Sept 12-14 - Annual Conference "Leading a Climate of Change: Hot Topics, Cold Facts and New Answers for the Sierra." North Tahoe Conference Center , Kings Beach , CA. Visit the Alliance
website for more information or call 530-542-4546.
Visalia Farmer's Market - Saturdays - 8-11:30 AM Come buy locally grown fruits and vegetables every Saturday, all year long at Sequoia Mall Parking Lot (near Sears). Remember - buying locally grown food is more sustainable and reduces your impact on global warming! It's all part of Ethical Eating! |
Purchase Fair Trade Coffee
Through the UUSC COFFEE PROJECT, we can enjoy delicious coffee, tea and chocolate while helping small-scale farmers in Latin America, Africa and Asia as they build a better future for themselves and their families. Through the project, farmers earn a fair price for their products, have access to affordable credit, and gain a long-term trading partner they can trust, a Fair Trade Organization called Equal Exchange.
Our Amazon powered on-line book store carries a line of Equal Exchange products that you can order at your leisure. For every order of 5 cases or more, shipping is waved. Debbie Wing will be placing an order mid-July for the Fellowship and has a complete product list and order form. If you want to save shipping charges and be included in this order, please contact Debbie Wing at info@uuvisalia.org.
| |
|
